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Bills Filed Tracking Florida's 'Use Of Deadly Force' Incidents

Two Florida lawmakers have filed bills looking to track statistics on “use of deadly force” incidents.

Sen. Dwight Bullard (D-Miami) says he knows of several “use of deadly force” incidents in Florida, including ones at correctional facilities.

“Very high profile cases of inmates that have for all intense and purposes have been murdered, while in the custody of our state Department of Corrections. Mr. Darren Rainey, whose skin was scalded, to the point where he died,” said Bullard, last month at a press conference.

But, Bullard says it’s not something that’s tracked by any agency in Florida. So, his bill requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement create a database tracking those stats for law enforcement and correctional officers—to avoid the current situation.

“It’s the proverbial fox guarding the henhouse scenario,” added Bullard. “Too often, we sort of see this blue wall of silence step into place in terms of misrepresentations of numbers and skewing of numbers. And, so, we’re asking not to be judgmental of these law enforcement agencies, but to really address these issues of concern.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Bruce Antone (D-Orlando) filed a similar bill in the House.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.